MARGINALIZATION IN MUSAHAR COMMUNITIES

Musahars are the most politically marginalized, economically exploited, and socially outcast group in Nepal.

Due to a caste system that considers them untouchable, Musahars suffer extreme exclusion from education and employment. According to research, 99.4% of Musahars do not own any land and generations of Musahars are born into bonded labor - a modern form of slavery. Musahar communities are often in remote, hard-to-reach areas. Isolated from other communities, they are unable to access critical services including, water, sanitation, and hygiene services, health services, or education.

Education offers an alternative future; yet according to research:

+ Just 4% of Musahar children are in school after age six; and 100% are out of school after age ten

+ The literacy rate is 7% amongst Musahars; and a mere 3.8% among Musahar women and girls

WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO

Musahar communities are trapped in a cycle of poverty and marginalization. Street Child will break this cycle by providing Musahars with intensive education and livelihoods support so they are empowered to access employment, and ultimately, break free from bonded labor. We will:

+ Provide accelerated learning programs so out-of-school Musahars can catch up on literacy and numeracy skills